Double Duty

“If you can’t ride two horses at once you shouldn’t be in the circus.”

~ James Maxton (1885-1946)

One of the principal ways in which a hiker can lower his or her pack weight is by using multipurpose gear. A standard backpacking kit is literally full of such items. Before heading out into the wilderness on your next big trip, try the following exercise. Clear the living room floor and spread out all of your stuff. Examine each and every article and ask yourself three questions:

Do I really need it?

What will happen if I don’t have it?

Am I already packing something that would do the same job?

Umbrellas provide protection from both the sun and rain. The wind? Not so much | Death Valley, Lowest to Highest Route, CA, 2014

Hikers are often surprised at the amount of redundant gear they have been carrying out of habit rather than necessity. By eliminating duplicate items whenever possible, not only do you lighten your load, but just as importantly, you also help to simplify your wilderness experience. Funnily enough, the same principle generally holds true for our everyday lives as well.

2. Pot: Can act as a bowl, cup, washing vessel and re-hydrating container for those that are going stoveless.

For many years, a reconstituted Gatorade Powder container (Weight – 1.2 oz) has been my pot of choice when going stoveless | Yours truly with the one and only “Guy on a Buffalo”, Colorado Trail, 2015.

3. Condom: The old Johnny bag. In addition to the obvious, connies can also be used as an emergency water holder (up to 2 liters) in case one of your bottles develops a leak. They also come in handy as a waterproof cover for your phone during river crossings.

4. Duct Tape: Can be used instead of adhesive strips or moleskin. Great for gear repairs in the field.

5. Trekking Poles: Can be used to hold up lightweight tents and tarps. Provide extra stability when fording fast flowing rivers. Mud, snow and water depth tester. Handy for sword fighting practice in case you’re thinking of auditioning for a part in Pirates of the Caribbean 37.

6.Backpack: Placing your backpack underneath your feet at night, allows you to use a ¾ length rather than a full-length sleeping mat. It’s not as uncomfortable as it sounds. It’s good for you as well, as after a long day on the trail having your feet raised helps to decrease swelling in the lower extremities.

7. Tent Peg: In addition to its primary role, sturdier type pegs (e.g. snow stakes) can be used in lieu of a potty trowel to dig cat holes.

8. Kilt or Rain Skirt: A makeshift door for your tarp in wet weather and a ground cloth to sit on during breaks. Intangibly speaking, I suspect they help to promote a sense of community among thick-legged chafe sufferers and commando devotees.

9. Sleeping Mat: Can be employed as a makeshift frame sheet to give structure to a frameless backpack. Closed cell foam models are good for sitting and stretching on during breaks. They also come in handy in case you are overcome by the urge to slide down a waterfall.

11. Mylar Blanket: In addition to being used in emergencies, space blankets can also be employed as a lightweight ground sheet, signalling mirror and makeshift tarp.

12. Reconstituted Sports Drink Bottle (600 ml): Can double as a backcountry bidet. Pro tips: A. B sure to fill the bottle to the top before use, as approximately only the first 200 ml are squirtable, and; B.Short, sharp squeezes fired at an upward angle of 45° work best.

13. Bandana: Towel, water filter, neck protection, pot cleaner, tent drier, hanky, emergency bog roll, face covering during sand storms, can be worn as makeshift gaiters when the trail is overgrown and, finally, very useful if you are low on trail funds and decide to hold up a 7-Eleven.

15. Potty Trowel: In soft ground can be used as a tent peg. I know there are a few gram weenies out there with questionable hygiene practices that even use them as a backup spoon and pot stirrer on occasion.

*Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means The Hiking Life receives a small commission if you purchase an item after clicking on one of the links. This comes at no additional cost to the reader, and helps to support the website in its continuing goal to create quality content for backpackers and hikers. Cheers.

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